Music

Michael Hutchence was born in Sydney in 1960. Athletic and passionate about swimming, the young boy had to give up his dreams of a medal after a bad injury.

His destiny awaited him elsewhere, and it first took the form of an encounter with Andrew Farriss, whom he met in the corridors of his high school. At the time, Michael was already writing texts. His pout and charismatic stature did the rest. He certainly had the potential to be a rock star. With his brother Andrew and three friends, Michael formed their first band, The Farriss Brothers. Together, they played the local scene and gradually built up a reputation, before changing their name to INXS, pronounced In Excess of course.

Their eponymous debut album was released in 1980. The following year, the band enjoyed some success with their second opus, “Underneath The Colours”, but it wasn't until their third release (“Shabooh Shoobah”) that the whole world learned their name, with “Original Sin” climbing to the top of the US charts. In 1986, they opened for Queen on a legendary tour, while their single “Need you Tonight” rocketed to the top of the charts. The INXS machine was up and running, and nothing seemed to be able to stop it. 

However, their next releases met with a lukewarm reception, and they were not spared the blows of fate. In 1992, the angel-haired singer was hit by a car while drunk. He suffered severe after-effects, including the loss of his sense of smell and taste. It was the beginning of a long descent into hell, as the rock star wandered between drugs, alcohol and depression, weary of seeing his career in decline. He had one affair after another, with Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen and Paula Yates, with whom he had a daughter. 
 
In 1996, he presented an award to the Gallagher brothers, and Noel told him loudly enough for everyone to hear: “You shouldn't ask a has-been to present an award to the giants of tomorrow.” Thirty million albums sold and he's reduced to the status of loser, singled out and ridiculed. But coming from the Gallagher clan, that's hardly surprising!
 
A year later, he was found dead in his hotel room, forever silencing his demons and the success that had taken everything from him. He was 37 years old. 

(MH with AK - Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)
Photo: Michael Hutchence with INXS on stage at the Werchter Festival (Belgium) in July 1988.